• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Ministry of Curry logo

  • SHOP
    • The Essential Indian Instant Pot Cookbook
    • Amazon Store
    • eBooks
    • Cooking Classes
    • Meal Plans
  • RESOURCES
    • Instant Pot 101
    • Air Fryer 101
    • Indian Cooking Tools
    • Cooking 101
    • Essential Indian Spices
    • Guide to Beans and Lentils
    • Holiday Shopping Guide
  • RECIPES
    • Recipe Index
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Oven Recipes
    • Stove Top Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Desserts
    • Dinner
    • Salad
    • Snacks
    • Drinks
    • Dairy Free
    • Gluten Free
    • Low Carb
    • Vegan
  • ABOUT
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
  • Cooking Classes
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Instant Pot Recipes

    The Best Instant Pot Saffron Risotto

    Published: Dec 7, 2018 · Modified: Nov 17, 2021 by Archana · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 20 Comments

    832 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Saffron Risotto, rich and creamy Italian comfort food with pillowy grains of rice is cooked in aromatic saffron, wine, and parmesan cheese.

    Saffron Risotto, garnished with parmesan cheese and saffron served in 2 white bowls. A plate of grated parmesan cheese on the side, with few srings of thyme and a spoon.

    An epitome of Italian home cooking, I love how Risotto is cooked to perfection with the ease of Instant Pot. No more stirring, simmering, and guessing for doneness as the Instant Pot makes it almost handsfree.

    What is Risotto

    • Risotto is a classic Italian side-dish cooked in broth for a creamy consistency. It often reminds of the comforting khichdi in Indian Cooking. Unlike khichdi which is made with rice and lentils, Risotto is cooked with rice, onion, broth, butter and wine.
    • Risotto makes a great side dish that can be easily paired with proteins such as beans, fish, chicken etc to make a complete meal.
    Ingredients for saffron risotto - rice, onion, saffron, wine, salt, oil and parmesan cheese

    Pro Tips for Perfect Saffron Risotto

    • I have used arborio rice in this recipe as it is readily available in grocery stores. But we also love carnaroli rice and vialone nano rice both of which are found in specialty grocery stores.
    • Make sure to toast the rice in the oil and later saute well in the wine. This will unlock the nutty flavors and aromas.
    • Use a dry wine like Pinot grigio. I have also used leftover rose and it works great. Wine stores also carry mini wine bottles by Sutter home that come in handy when you do not want to open a big bottle just for cooking.
    Curried Shrimp served over Saffron Risotto, garnished with choppied cilantro served in 2 white bowls. A plate of grated parmesan cheese on the side, with few srings of thyme and a spoon.

    Step by Step Instructions

    • Turn the Instant Pot to Saute mode and heat olive oil. Add onions. Saute for 2 minutes stirring frequently. Add rice and salt and toast for 2 minutes.

    • Add saffron & wine and continue to sauté for another minute or until the wine has been absorbed.
    • Stir in broth, Close the Instant Pot lid with Pressure Release to sealing. Set the Instant Pot tp Manual /Pressure Cook(High) for 6 minutes. Follow with 10 minutes Natural Pressure release.
    • Open the Instant Pot. Stir in butter and parmesan cheese.
    • While serving add more parmesan cheese, black pepper. Optionally garnish with thyme and crushed saffron.
    Saffron Risotto, garnished with parmesan cheese and saffron served in 2 white bowls. A plate of grated parmesan cheese on the side with a spoon.

    Serving

    • Enjoy a bowl of warm Risotto as is with freshly grated parmesan cheese and thyme or chives.
    • Serve with seared fish or scallops for a complete meal.
    • Serve with curried shrimp, for a fancy dinner. This is our favorite way to enjoy.

    Love Italian recipes? Try some of our Instant Pot favorites:

    • Spinach artichoke mac and cheese 
    • Pasta caprese 
    • Spinach and mushroom lasagna
    • Beet risotto 

    ★ Have you tried this recipe? We love your feedback, Please click on the stars in the recipe card below to rate.

    Tried this recipe? We love your feedback.Please click on the stars in the recipe card below
    Saffron Risotto, garnished with parmesan cheese and saffron served in 2 white bowls. A plate of grated parmesan cheese on the side, with few srings of thyme and a spoon.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    4.57 from 16 votes

    The Best Instant Pot Saffron Risotto

    Saffron Risotto, rich and creamy Italian comfort food with pillowy grains of rice is cooked in aromatic saffron, wine and parmesan cheese.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time25 mins
    Total Time30 mins
    Course: Entree, Side Dish
    Cuisine: Italian
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 251kcal
    Author: Archana Mundhe

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoon EVOO
    • 1 medium yellow onion diced
    • 1½ cup arborio rice
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 large pinch saffron
    • ¼ cup dry white wine used pinot grigio
    • 3 cups low sodium broth used better than bouillon vegetable base

    Finishing Ingredients:

    • 1 tablespoon butter optional
    • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese grated

    To serve:

    • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
    • 2 springs thyme
    • 1 pinch Saffron

    Instructions

    • Turn the Instant Pot to Saute mode and heat olive oil. Add onions. Saute for 2 mins stirring frequently.
    • Add rice and salt and toast for 2 mins. Make sure to toast the rice well to unloak the nutty flavors. 
    • Add saffron & wine and continue to saute for another 1 minute or until the wine has been absorbed. Stirring frequently so the rice does not stick to the pot.
    • Stir in broth, Manual / Pressure Cook (High) for 6 minutes. Allow 10 minuts Natural Pressure release. Open the Instant Pot and Stir in butter and cheese.
    • While serving add more parmesan cheese, black pepper and garnish with thyme + crushed saffron in the center.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 251kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 740mg | Potassium: 222mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 150IU | Vitamin C: 2.8mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 1.6mg
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @ministry_of_curry or tag #ministryofcurry

    ♥ We LOVE to hear from you! Did you try this recipe? Please share your food photo with hashtag #ministryofcurry on Facebook or Instagram, so we can see it and our followers can enjoy it too! Thank you and Happy Cooking ♥

    Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for tasty and easy video recipes. Looking for more Instant Pot recipes? Check out our delicious Instant Pot Recipe board on Pinterest.

    Author: Archana

    Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
    Twitter Facebook Linkedin
    « Instant Pot Quick and Easy Shrimp Curry
    Easy Mulled Apple Cider »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Heide says

      December 07, 2018 at 3:43 pm

      I can’t wait to try this. I love risotto....any kind.

      Reply
      • Archana says

        December 07, 2018 at 11:47 pm

        Thank you Heide!

        Reply
    2. Michael Greene says

      January 28, 2019 at 6:47 pm

      Have you doubled this recipe before? Is the time the same in the instant pot?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        January 28, 2019 at 6:48 pm

        Yes I have. Same pressure cook time

        Reply
    3. Heide says

      January 28, 2019 at 7:21 pm

      Risotto of any kind is delicious,....and now even easier? Cool, can't wait to try it!

      Reply
      • Archana says

        January 28, 2019 at 7:30 pm

        Thank you!!

        Reply
    4. Tina says

      February 14, 2019 at 9:55 pm

      Where do u bulk buy saffron

      Reply
      • Archana says

        February 15, 2019 at 10:02 pm

        I buy saffron at Indian grocery storea

        Reply
        • Heide says

          February 15, 2019 at 10:22 pm

          I planted the Blue Crocus Saffron bulb last year in hopes of harvesting my own saffron...really more out of curiosity. I even gave a bunch of bulbs to various friends as a gift. This spring I'll see if any come up!

          Reply
          • Archana says

            February 16, 2019 at 12:46 pm

            Wow! I hope you get a nice harvest. I have heard people planting them with great success

            Reply
    5. Natasha says

      February 25, 2019 at 10:17 pm

      Love how easy and delicious this recipe is! Archana is also so approachable if there are any questions on quantity etc.. love her recipes!5 stars

      Reply
      • Archana says

        February 26, 2019 at 9:31 pm

        Thank you Natasha!

        Reply
    6. Rushina Patel says

      May 16, 2019 at 12:43 pm

      I'm a vegetarian. What else can this risotto be served with? This looks so good!!

      Reply
      • Archana says

        May 16, 2019 at 1:21 pm

        Hi Rushina, I would serve it with grilled veggies or a yummy salad

        Reply
    7. Jean says

      April 16, 2020 at 12:29 pm

      If I wanted to add a frozen veg to this, what step would you add it at?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        April 16, 2020 at 8:10 pm

        Along with the rice.

        Reply
    8. Morgan says

      June 29, 2020 at 8:16 pm

      Hi! This is SO good! How would I make this extra creamy?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        July 02, 2020 at 8:41 pm

        You can add extra cheese in the end.

        Reply
    9. Jane says

      August 19, 2020 at 2:45 pm

      All other IP risotto recipes I have used have recommended a quick release - why the 10-minute release here? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Archana says

        August 19, 2020 at 10:24 pm

        I don't like to quick release starchy dishes. Causes a big mess.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Archana: a former software engineer, now a full-time blogger. I am a mother of two boys who share my love for food and cooking. Words I love to hear are, “Mom, what’s for dinner?” The same words I say to my mom every time we speak. I live in the greater New York City Area with my husband and sons.

    Learn More About Me!

    Archana's Essential Indian Instant Pot Cookbook

    SHOP

    Popular Posts

    • Mumbai Pav Bhaji
    • Instant Pot Chicken Biryani
    • Mushroom Masala
    • Homemade Pomegranate Juice

    Footer

    AS FEATURED IN

    ↑Back to Top

    Ministry of Curry

    Shop
    About
    Privacy Policy
    Accessibility
    Contact

    Food and Recipes

    Recipe Index
    Cooking 101
    Instant Pot 101
    Cookbook

    MOC Pro

    Dashboard
    Meal Plans
    Virtual Cooking Classes
    Tips & Tricks

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Ministry of Curry

    832 shares
    • 200